Vol. 10, Special Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
Yogesh Pandey, Bibhudatta Samanta Kumar Panda, Ninad Bhatt, Sadhana Tiwari, Yallappa M Somagond and Ajay Kumar Dang

Abstract:
First lacteal secretion is known as colostrum or liquid gold and is the single most important factor in determining health and survival of the neonatal calf. Colostrum contains high concentration of nutrients and biologically active components such as carbohydrates, growth factors, enzyme inhibitors, nucleotides, cytokines, fats, minerals and vitamins, as well as immune-competent cells and soluble proteins that provide immunity to the infant and influence immune system maturation. The sole objective of colostrum is to fulfil the nutritional, immunological and growth demand of new born calf. Somatic cell count (SCC) in colostrum was very high in first few hrs after its number reduced gradually. Somatic cells and differential leukocyte count (DLC) were estimated by making a smear on microscopic slide. Highest level of total SCC was reported in colostrum of day 0 (day of calving) then it decreased significantly on subsequent days, and lowest level was reported on the day 6. Colostrum contains highest percentage of macrophage fallowed by lymphocytes and neutrophils. In transition milk lymphocyte percentage increased significantly and reached highest level on the day 6, whereas number of macrophages was decreased significantly and reached lowest level on the day 6. However, no significant difference was reported in case of neutrophils of colostrum and transition milk. Viability of somatic cells in colostrum of day 0 was significantly (P<0.05) low as compare to other days of lactation. The level of IGF1 was significantly (P<0.05) changes from day 0 to days 6, whereas there was no significant difference between days 5 and 6. The current study thus provide the basic information related to the concentration of different cells, viability and growth factors in colostrum and transition.